Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the cirrhotic patient: predictors of outcome

Background We sought to determine the outcome predictors of 94 cirrhotic patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Methods We performed a single-center, retrospective review of cirrhotic patients undergoing LC for symptomatic gallbladder disease. Statistical analysis was completed using the Chi-square, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and Student t tests as appropriate. Results Ninety-four procedures were completed. The median Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score was 6 (range, 5–12), and the average Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was 11 ± 5. Hepatitis C was the most common etiology of liver disease (50%) followed by Laennec's cirrhosis (22%). The average length of stay was 2.6 ± 4.3 days; 21% were outpatient procedures. The conversion rate was 11%. Conversion risk factors were decreased serum albumin, increased MELD score, and blood loss. Morbidity occurred in 32 patients. Predictors of morbidity were decreases in serum albumin, increases in International Normalized Ratio (INR) and CTP score, and the number of intraoperative red blood cell transfusions. Mortality occurred in 4 patients. Increased INR, CTP score, CTP class, the number of intraoperative blood and platelet transfusions were predictors of mortality. Conclusion LC can be safely performed in cirrhotic patients with appropriate patient selection. Liver synthetic function, operative blood loss, transfusion requirement, CTP, and MELD scores may be used to predict outcomes in these patients.